Wood County sees more flu cases, still has shots available

It's a particularly harsher flu season than in years past. The Wood County Health Department is seeing a higher number of cases at a much earlier time.

Every year the Wood County Health Department urges the public to get their flu vaccination, and this year, it's stressing it even more.

Across the country, hospitals are reporting a record number of emergency room visits related to flu-like symptoms. There are also a higher number of cases in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan as well.

"Actually we're seeing the flu come earlier this year, so we've seen more cases earlier in the season than we would normally," said Amy Jones, with the Wood County Health Department.

As a result, the department says it has had more people come in for flu shots.

"We've had just lately, in the last few days, even more people coming in for flu shots. Prior to that, it was probably a typical year for us. But lately yes, we've seen an increase in vaccination rates," said Jones.

Many people in the community have yet to get their flu shots.

"I haven't. I haven't really thought about it too much," said Rick Solether.

"I usually don't get sick, but when I do get sick, it's bad. So I don't know. I haven't gotten a flu shot ever," said Camille Smith.

"No, just been kinda busy," said Jeff Risser. "Just kinda been too busy to make the time, I guess."

Although many have not gotten the shot, they have thought about it, and even taken some precaution to prevent getting sick.

"I try to clean my house weekly, so I don't get sick," said Smith.

The Wood County Health Department still has flu shots available for $20 for adults and $10 for children and urges individuals to get vaccinated.

Dr. David Grossman says there have definitely been more cases of the flu this year and even though there were more deaths from the flu last year he is urging people who haven't gotten their flu shot, to come to the clinics.More >>

Dr. David Grossman says there have definitely been more cases of the flu this year and even though there were more deaths from the flu last year he is urging people who haven't gotten their flu shot, to come to the clinics.More >>

One Lenawee County man says he got the flu shot and he's perfectly healthy, his wife however it's do so well. She also got the flu shot at a different location, but she has been hit with influenza.More >>

One Lenawee County man says he got the flu shot and he's perfectly healthy, his wife however it's do so well. She also got the flu shot at a different location, but she has been hit with influenza.More >>

The Toledo Lucas County Health Department says a Lucas County man in his 50s died with the flu earlier this month. The health department says the man had severe co-morbidities and many other health related issues.

The Toledo Lucas County Health Department says a Lucas County man in his 50s died with the flu earlier this month. The health department says the man had severe co-morbidities and many other health related issues.